Demon Revelation: The Day of Fear

The Evil Unknown

I straightened and ordered my feet to freeze mid step back. My heart pounded double time as every instinct I had screeched at me to run and hide. They really were looking for me, and knew the one they sought was a Disciple. The Lady Clerics gaze slowly passed over every female face in the group as she replied to Cleric Tu. My stomach clenched and sweat beaded my brow. Did her gaze linger on me? Did she hesitate to move on, or was it my imagination?

I wanted to scream at her that it was an accident. That I had no idea what all the crazy stuff happening around me meant, nor did I want to. I wanted to rewind a day, back to when things were simple. Where my life made sense and where boys spoke and acted normally. Where Clerics were the good guys who protected us from demons and my teachers were not heartless murderers.

The Lady Cleric scanned our faces once more than shook her head once. She left with Tu close behind her, whispering something to him.

What did I do? Surely if they had identified the Disciple in the forest was me, they would have hauled me out the class.

Alex glanced over her shoulder at the retreating Cleric, but was otherwise uninterested. Ro was more on ball, and his eyes narrowed as he watched me. Too messed in the head to try and be subtle, I glared at him, daring him to comment. Well, there was nothing I could do. Id had enough of being stressed out. Slouching back into my chair, I kicked up a leg on the empty seat opposite and mud fell off my soles.

Are you even listening to me? Alex asked.

Im sorry, what? Oh, yes, I said. Yes, I do remember.

The Rupture was a global slaughter that had nearly wiped the entire human race of the face of the planet. It had changed everything. Vampires had emerged from the shadows one winter dragging all manner of wicked with them, and in one clean sweep had consumed the earth. Shapeshifters had prowled the streets in daylight. Hunting were-bears, were-lions and were-whatever-the-hell-you-can-think-of had feasted on human flesh. Goblins tore people limb from limb and roasted them in dumpster-sized stew pots. Raped the screaming women, and produced more deformed offspring. Powerful witches cast spells that stopped the hearts of entire cities, made all things in a thousand-mile radius just stop.

Within weeks governments had fallen. Monarchys had been eliminated, a warped genocide, madness. No one but the crazies who had believed in such things was prepared. They knew how to protect themselves with stakes and silver, hiding places underground. Otherwise only the strong, quick and the smart had survived. The barbaric culling of the human race left us scattered across the world in tiny pockets of civilization. Communities of people who put aside old hates based on colour and religion, and blended together until the human race was a convergence unlike anything ever predicted. We lived in an overcrowded region of land surrounded by electricity, a patch of city untouched by the horror Outside.

At least, thats what the Priests told us in their sermons. Most people alive now-a-days were too young to remember what had happened, and the old ones who had experienced it had died of old age years before. Against all odds endangered humankind had survived and had the Sect to thank. A group of human men and women had erected the Wall, and set the strongest of us as guardians. Determined to keep fighting and to survive at all costs, they selected new protectors from the masses seeking sanctuary and trained them to hunt the monsters that had stolen the planet. Those protectors were the Clerics. They hunted down any demon that dared step on our territory. Of course I remembered the Rupture; it was something I, nor any other being, would ever forget.

Clicking her fingers in front of my face, Alex flicked my nose and I recoiled. She smirked, happy to have broken into my down time. You wanna end up like the people who lost their lives for nothing?

Wouldnt call marching up to the closest demon and trying to kill it, nothing, I said. Chewing my bottom lip, I cautioned myself to be careful. I ran thats all. I just ran.

Thinking on it, I dont believe you, Ro said.

I shrugged. I couldnt tell them, it was too big.

Alex placed her palms on the table. My eyes darted from hers to the small runes that decorated the back of her hands. The Wall keeps us safe. It keeps those demons out and us humans in. Thats the way it be, Rae. If a vampire or goblin were to lay hands on you- She shuddered, her eyes becoming hollow with visions of death and gore from years past. Your life here means something. Dont throw it away.

The Rupture happened lifetimes ago. Who knows what its like out there? I leaned forward and lowered my voice to match hers. They may have changed, evolved. I thought of Breandan and Tomas. Yknow, I dont think he Sect have been honest about what theyre like.

Evolved? Demons be animals, dangerous animals driven by need, nothing more. She took a deep breath. The Doctrine of the Sect is law. Clerics keep the law, and Doctrine says going beyond the Wall is forbidden. The rules keep us safe. She visibly relaxed as she said the words.

Familiar frustration bubbled inside me at her lack of curiosity. What if thats not how its supposed to-Forget it, I said and ducked my head. I felt her eyes on my face and I carefully kept it blank, my gaze cast down to the floor.

I couldnt force her to change her mind in a minute, nor did I want to. She was the one making sense and thinking clearly. I was the one making waves, and allowing dangerous beings to run riot unchecked and unopposed.

A voice said close to my ear, Am I to keep the vampire in your wardrobe a secret?

I jerked up and Devlin leaned back, grinning impishly. I swear, if I had not spent a lifetime controlling my face and emotions, I probably would have launched myself at him shrieking. Ro had wandered off across the room, and I hadnt seen Devlin sidle up, too lost in my thoughts. How the hell did he find out? He must have seen Tomas carrying me across the Temple, but Tomas was sure we would be moving to fast to be seen. Panicked, I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I didnt know what to say. Oh Gods. Devlin gazed at me, green eyes clear and sharp. I decided the best plan was to deny it. To call him deluded or whatever I had to get him off my back. It was his word against mine, and though I was considered freaky, the mere suggestion I had a vampire in a wardrobe was just crazy. But then hadnt my behavior had been somewhat suspect? I glanced around. Devlin coming over to talk to me captured the attention of the entire class, but no one seemed overly alarmed.

What? I said in a perfection imitation of cluelessness, but I knew my face was white as snow and my voice brittle.

Dont worry, I wont tell anybody. What fun would that be?

He was still leaning close over me, speaking right into my ear so no one else could here. To the casual observer it may have looked like he whispered sweet nothings in my ear. My heart sunk. What did he have in mind? Blackmail?

Why are you doing this? I asked in a low voice. Just go away.

I sank further into my seat and turned my head away slightly, clearly giving the message I didnt want to talk anymore. Childish tactics, but confrontation didnt seem to work, maybe ignoring him would. He had that amused smirk that made his face look smug and I found myself detesting his presence. There was something decidedly off about him, and the perfection of his face was making me sick.

He turned to Alex, narrowed his eyes and moved his lips without sound. Maybe if I acted bored of this theatrics he would get the message and leave. I watched him with cool detachment.

He spoke to me whilst keeping his gaze on her, This is a female of strength. You choose your friends well. His fingers, seemingly infused with light, brushed her check.

I didnt like that and I smacked his had away. Alex started, as if coming to from a trance and sent me a baffled look.

Whos the boy outside? Ro said from across the class.

I shot up. Devlin backed away a pace, as if I was suddenly too close for comfort. I excused myself and walked speedily to Ros side, all the while telling myself the fairy-boy Id met that morning would never dare. He would know he could not show up here at Temple, and parade around half naked, and glowing. I reached the window and made a strangled noise. Breandan. At least hed had the good sense to glamour himself human. His eyes flicked from me to behind me, and then he beckoned to me.

Rae, you know him? Ro asked and eyed me head to toe. A slow smile spread across his face, and the green beads hed tied into the end of his cornrow plaits clicked together as he laughed. You be keeping secrets, eh?

Yes, I said, took a step backwards. I mean I dont know In truth I was not surprised Breandan was there. I just wondered how long he intended to follow me and if his ultimate goal was to have me strung up Outside by the Clerics.

Breandan waved at me, impatient this time.

He seems to know you. Ro ran his tongue over his top teeth. If you dont want him, Ill take him.

Breandan stood on the grass with his hands loose by his sides and somehow, through the rain, I saw the storm in his eyes threatening to drown me. He didnt beckon to me again, but I knew he wanted me to go to him. Afraid of the hot, fluttery feeling spreading through my limbs, I shook my head hoping he got the message. This was not okay. He could not come here and expect me to run off with him into the forest like a lunatic.

His head drooped then snapped up, his gaze directed over my shoulder.

Rae, you right? Alex asked from beside me. Whats going on? Then she spotted Breandan scowling at me. Thats him? The boy from this morning?

A few other Disciples got up out their desks and came over to look out the window at whatever it was we were looking at. I took a few steps back until I bumped into someone standing behind me. Devlin stood in my way and looked furious. What was his problem? He was the one on my back, not the other way round. Then his shoulders started to shake and I realized he was laughing. He looked straight at me and smiled. No. Not a smile, but a snigger filled with wicked delight. The intensity of his stare boldly probed mine, and the chill that slithered down my spine had me wound to near breaking.

When I looked back round Breandans entire body tensed, and just like that, with one last glance at me he turned and darted away. A sense of relief was replaced by a fiercer surge of regret. The moment he winked out of sight the longing to see and feel him, pressed upon my consciousness. The emotion was like a splinter burrowed beneath the skin, determined to settle in for the long haul.

I thought then about telling a Cleric, Breandan, a demon from beyond the Wall, could get onto the Temple grounds. Why was I was covering for some boy I barely knew? Yes, hed told me I was a demon, but what if that had been a lie. I looked pretty damn human to my eyes. Yes, Id done some demon stuff, but I could be a witch. The thought made me very nervous. All witches were bad, forces of evil. Did I really want to wish to be one? My mind wandered back to Breandan, the boy who made me warm and tingly when I thought about him. And that is why I resolved to keep my mouth firmly shut. That and the fact I was hiding one of the scariest of demonkind in my wardrobe.

Ro stared out the window, confused. Unlike me, he was not used to the fairy disappearing act, and I could see him trying to figure out how Breandan had left so quickly. The other Disciples had lost interest and had wandered into small groups again.

It was all getting a bit much for me, and I couldnt keep up. My head felt light, spongy, and my limbs weak. I was hiding so many things from so many people my brain felt like it was being pried apart. Alex seemed to sense my stress since she dragged me out the door by my sleeve the moment the bell rang.

Cmon, she said. We got Alchemy and I dont want to be late.

Stumbling out the door, I waved goodbye to Ro. But, I thought you were ditching, I said, trying to keep up mentally.

I need to keep my eye on you.

Skipping out the room, I watched the back of her bobbing head. Breathing in I focused on her drama instead of mine. You like Ro, a lot, I said.

Pushing out the side door to take a shortcut through the courtyard in the middle of the building, we carefully trudged down the slippery pathway and she shot me evil eye. Pulling up our blazer collars, we raced across and the rain pelted hard against my skin. My feet splashed in every puddle along the way and the wind tugged on my body. Storms never bothered me. The power and beauty of the sky churning, clouds darkened with rain and flashes of lighting made my skin goosy. We made it through the heavy doors, and I rung out my hair and clothes as best I could, wiping my dripping face on my wet sleeve.

I dont do steadies, Alex said. She strutted off and I trailed behind, smiling into my shoulder.

Ro would be the perfect steady for Alex. He would take care of her, and love her for more than her beauty. She knew this, and though she kept going on and on about his fondness for guys when he wasnt with her, thats what the real problem was. He saw through the cocky smiles, the extrovert character to what she was about.

Marriage was an old and tired concept. The last union performed around a century before, about the time the last of the old religions died out. But if it were practiced they definitely would be suitable candidates in my mind. People didnt tie themselves to each other anymore. Why should they? Chances were youd find somebody who appealed more in a few years. People knew it was best to keep it simple. There were romantics, of course, who feel in love and ran away to other regions to start new lives. Two Disciples had tried that idea three years ago, and had tried to travel to the next region by going Outside. The Clerics had us Disciples visit their graves once a year as a reminder of what happens to the stupid and irresponsible.

Lex, I cant, I said and stopped walking.

She spun round and frowned. Cant do what? Her face smoothed. Rae, if we dont turn up to class-

I know, I cut in and backed away. You go on. Im going to go sit in the Library for a while. Cover for me? Say I have a headache and went for some quiet time. Ill deal with the punishment. I didnt wait for her answer, and took off at a run back down the hallway.

Walking into the Library, I gave myself a mental pat. It was empty and blessedly quiet. The library was just a bunch of bookcases pushed against the wall and a few tables and benches arranged in the centre. It smelt musty, but not unpleasant, as if it had been a while since the air was last disturbed.

I settled down on a table with a low lamp and closed my eyes, enjoying the stillness. Here I could be at peace. I drummed my fingers on the tabletop. Then I ran them through my hair and frowned when I encountered tangles. I redid my makeshift hair bun, trembling a little when I fingered the twig and remembered what had happened after I had found it. I scrunched up my face then relaxed it again. Scrunch and relax. Urgh, but my mind was not quiet. It was shrieking at me, throwing back everything from that morning. Closing my eyes did not change the fact I had a vampire in my wardrobe that was going to reanimate in a few hours. My mind lingered on thoughts of Tomass dark, bottomless eyes and the fact Devlin somehow knew he was in my wardrobe. How did he know? How, how, how? Breathing in deeply did not fix whatever genetic quirk made me a demon. Oh gods, how could I be a demon? Shouldnt I have figured that out by myself? Why did someone have to point out such obvious things for me to finally add it all together to equal demon? As my thoughts touched on Breandan, my body went haywire. My heart sounded to pound and my hands became slick with sweat. Where was he? Would I see him again? In the space of one morning my whole life had been turned upside down, yet the thought of never seeing or touching him again wasunbearable.

I got irritated with myself. Id come to the Library for a quiet place to think and figure out what I was going to do, not moan about what had already happened. I needed a plan of action. I needed to remain calm, and collected, and work this thing out. I tried to get comfortable on the hard wooden seat, but the feeling of discomfort that had appeared when Breandan left had lingered, and in the last few minutes had changed slightly. The splinter wasnt burrowing under my skin anymore, but had almost, insistent. Like, look here I am.

The door opened. Sounds and smells of the world rushed in, breaking my reflective bubble. I jerked up. In a lifetime of habit, I shied inward and prepared myself to become part of the furniture.

A boy, blazer collar turned up sauntered into the room. White hair flopped down to conceal one of his sparkling eyes. The gods be damned, it was Devlin. Rather than launching into a tirade of accusations like I expected, he said nothing. He simply stared at me like I was the most fascinating thing hed ever seen. It made me feel like a butterfly, entangled in a web of lies, and waiting for the spider to pounce.

The solid silence was driving me mad. Hai, Devlin. My voice was strained.

You dont like me very much, he said.

A few responses played on my lips before I chose, Direct.

That boy we saw outside Demon Theory, how long have you known him? I looked away, stayed silent. It was a simple question. He paused. Boys from the slums can be dangerous. His voice held an undercurrent of humor that I didnt like. It was like he knew Breandan was not from the slums. Like he knew he was

I looked down at my shoes. Im not talking about this.

May I ask why?

There was that odd speech pattern again. There were so many different dialects mixed in with the broken slum speak, that it was difficult to determine someones roots just by how they spoke unless they told you. I knew next to nothing about Devlin, but his manner of speaking was familiar to me. Where had I heard it before?

Not your business, I replied succinctly.

His face darkened, as if he had guessed the direction of my thoughts.

What do you want, Devlin? Making good on a bet to embarrass the misfit? My cheeks got hot. Why do you keep trying to be friends with me and how did you know about- I shut up. I was meant to be pretending I didnt know what he was talking about when he said I had a vampire in my wardrobe. Scrunching my brows, I shook my head. I dont know you, and youre questioning me? Being a fellow Disciple does not give you a hold over me. Despite what you think I can talk to whoever I like. Its my business and Im dealing, so stay out of it.

His eyes lit with a shocking fierceness and I jerked back. His constant intensity was disconcerting, but he seemed to know nothing else to be a threat to me. Clearly, hed managed to catch a glimpse of Tomas, put the pale skin, fast movement together and figured, vampire. But to prove it he would first have to get someone to listen and believe him so that he could be allowed into the Bayou, the girls dorms, to show them. Would he risk his reputation on a whim like that? I was panicking for no reason. He had nothing. I managed a polite smile. I stood up and marched past him.

Well, Ill see you around. He grabbed my arm and I lashed out with a hard shove. Why cant you back off?

He staggered back and lowered his brows at my rudeness. I pushed him so hard his blazer flapped back off his shoulder and I saw a flash of green and gold swinging from his neck, resting on his chest above his heart. He had a pendant like mine. It explained why he was so interested in the one I wore. His was different though, bigger and darker in colour. Huh, despite his interesting taste in jewellery, I was still pissed at him. I was raw and not fit for any other surprises. A girl can only handle so much crazy. Id told him to leave me alone, but he didnt seem to take subtle and even blatant hints. It was time to be rude. My shaking hand pushed the hair from my eyes so I could glare properly.

Why do you keep popping up? Everywhere I go there you are. As I said the words I realized how true they were. He was always nearby, lurking somewhere. Id never seen it before then.

So what if I am following you?

I scowled. He wasnt even going to try and deny it. If you are then stop.

Of course, but I want you to give me something first.

The door swept open again. My heart skipped a whole two thumps then pumped at double time. Because Breandan stepped into the room, his bare feet silent on the stone floor. He let the door of the library close with a dull click, and his gaze flicked between us. If I could have picked one person to never join the conversation I was having with Devlin, Breandan would be that person. Clearly the universe was out to get me.

Irritation twisted Devlins expression before it settled into overly pleasing handsome lines. His lips twitched and his attention locked solely on me.

My head swung from one to the other unsure of where to focus. As if one stupidly good-looking boy wasnt hard enough to deal with, I now had two messing with my mind. I sat down heavily on the nearest bench I could find and put my head in my hands. I was beginning to think it possible for your head to explode from stress.

Breandan straddled the bench and settled close by me. He sighed. You cant help but find trouble, he said.

My rude response caught in my throat. I stared at his guarded face and wanted to scream at him. I wanted to demand to know what he was doing exposing himself and me like this, and tell him to get lost.

All I whispered was, You shouldnt be here.

Something shifted in his expression, and told me he knew how much I was freaking out, since he smiled.

He touched my cheek. We are safe.

Am I interrupting? Devlin asked icily.

His hands were fisted both sides of him, and his lips had a rigid set. Blazer hanging open, I glimpsed his impressive physique as he turned his gaze to Breandan. Impressive but odd, he didnt have any marks. All boys had marks. Not as many as Breandan, who had enough tattoos for three, but Devlins skin was completely pure.

Rae, arent you going to introduce us? he asked and stared at Breandan.

Without looking at him, Breandan replied as he entwined his fingers with mine. Im no concern of yours.

Fingers firm and warm rubbed against mine. I was hyper aware of the touch. It reminded me of the last time I had my hand in anothers, in a vampires. That thought pulled me up short. The vampire had touched me and Id let him. Wow. I was seriously messed up. Years of being unable to interact with others, and I let demons drape themselves all over me. I tugged my hand away but it was a pitiful attempt. More for the sake of telling myself I had resisted, rather than actually wanting him to let me go.

Interesting, Devlin said. I thought only Disciples, Clerics or Priests were allowed at Temple. Im new here, but Ive never seen you before. When did you enroll?

They peered at each other warily. Backs straightening and necks stiffening, they became silent.

A pressing need to defend Breandan had me stuttering, Its no big, Devlin. Hes my, uhguest. I shrank back as Devlins glare turned on me. The last thing I needed would be for him to run and spill Breandan was on Temple grounds. I did tug my hand away this time and fisted it on my lap. I felt annoyingly bereft that he had released me. I want him here, I added in a rush.

Breandan went still beside me, and I felt his focus shift to my face.

It grew cold. The lights flickered and ominous silence draped over me. A weird feeling crawled over my skin, so I tensed. The lights blacked out. The room temperature hit rock bottom, and an icy gust of air lapped at the back of my neck. I clutched Breandans hand tight in mine again. Was it him doing this? He needed to stop because he was making it a little too obvious that he didnt belong. I squeezed the hand I held. The moisture in my eyes stung, and the pores on my skin shrank. Then it passed and the lights came back up. The air warmed.

Power outage, I said tactfully.

My mind was not able to deal with the concept of anything other than that. It was an easy lie. Breandan snorted and rested an arm over my shoulder. He made soothing circles on my wrist. It was nice, the lazy soft brushes against my skin.

Rae, Devlin said slickly, Would you like to come with me? Somewhere private. He smiled, nice and slow. The kind of smile that suggested not much talking would be going on once he got me alone. We could get to know one another some more?

Confused at his sudden suggestive undertone, rejection was on the tip of my tongue. I had a vampire to get back to, so my plan was to extract myself from this conversation as soon as I could and leave. Who knew what Tomas would do if I was not there when he woke up. All of this had passed through my mind in a split second then flew out as quick. Breandans reaction to the invitation was explosive. Snarling, he moved startlingly fast and blurred into a dark streak, a shadow.

Chests heaving and eyes blazing the boys faced off nose to nose.

I was confused and stared at the vacant spot the fairy-boy was moments ago. My reactions caught up and I made a noise of alarm. I jumped up to push Breandan back a few paces, with difficulty since he packed a truck-load more muscle and height than me. I tugged his chin down to look him in the face. Tense seconds clicked by as I looked into the eyes of someone alien to me. Breandan glared at me with traces of disgust and disbelief. I felt bad and annoyed because I wanted answers from him, but I couldnt have him butting heads with other Disciples. If Devlin told a Cleric Id let a strange boy into Temple, Id come under question. Hell, if Devlin threw in he knew I was hiding a vampire in my wardrobe, I would never see the light of day again. They would probably lock me away for the rest of my life. Or kill me if they could prove I was a demon and a threat.

I think you should go, I said wearily.

The horrible moment passed and Breandans face gentled into exasperation and impatience. The shift was so fast; I floundered, unable to account for the sudden change. Chuckling to himself, his arm propelled me towards the door picking up my bag as we went.

Walk me out, he said cheerfully, he even had a spring in his step.

Wasnt I doing a dandy job of extracting myself from this situation? I was meant to be in my room by now, waiting for my guest to wake up so I could answer his questions and get rid of him. Instead, I was walking out a fairy that seemed happy to be in mortal peril, for that was the situation for any demon on Temple grounds.

You have my word no harm will ever come to you that will be of my making, a voice said in my ear. I turned to look Breandan in the eyes, sincere and warm. I will always protect you. Even when you dont me to, he added after a small pause.

Im not afraid, I said tartly and took a half step before drawing deep and taking another larger one. I lowered my voice, And I can take care of myself. By doing what you did back there youve painted a big target on my back. I need to be careful after what happened this morning and you are putting me in danger by just being here, and throwing your weight around. Devlin is a Disciple, a popular one at that. He could get me into serious trouble. Besides, I think Id be safer with him than I ever would with you.

He raised an eyebrow then became thoughtful.

As we left Sanctuary, cool air blew into my face and the speckles of ash that floated by were comforting, familiar. It was tinged with smoke now the fires had been lit in preparation for the night. The days were short so close to winter.

Breandan moved ahead of me and took my hand. Before long I heard a group of Disciples nearby, their high and happy voices floating through the dark coming straight toward us. He turned so we no longer walked on the path to the main gate but out onto the lawn surrounding the Temple, into the darkness. Over my shoulder I saw Devlin followed silently and he didnt look alarmed but rather annoyed. Rather than an all-dark figure, I made out his angular features and the green of his eyes. With a start I realized everything looked lighter, and then I saw why. Breandans tattooed skin glowed in the dark. It was like he wanted to get caught. Like he really didnt care Devlin could name him as demon.

Said boy pushed between us, and grabbed my hand to pull me forward. My skin crawled. I tried to pull away but he held on firmly. Breandan held on and stopped moving. I was stuck between the two and Devlin was determined to keep going, so I squeaked when my arms nearly yanked out of their sockets. Brendan growled, literally hunched his back and bared his teeth. The sound was a low rumble, but resonated loud enough to be taken as a warning. Despite this display he had to let me go to avoid hurting me, but he was not happy about it.

Devlin barely broke stride as he half turned and smirked. Turning back to my puzzled face, he feigned innocence. Possessive isnt he?

I looked over my shoulder and sent Breandan a wobbly smile. The reason known only to the complicated workings of my heart, I wanted to reassure him that I was okay. Jaw working soundlessly, he walked close behind us and kept his eyes locked on Devlins long fingers wrapped around mine.

Devlin let my hand go and I sighed in relief, we reached the Temple wall and I wondered what was coming next. Breandan seemed quite unconcerned at how this was turning out, and I was curious to see where this adventure was headed next. Seriously, where was it headed? There was no way through the barrier here unless you could jump higher than twenty feet like a vampire, or scale smooth, seamless concrete.

Rae, place your hands over your eyes Devlin said.

I planted my feet, ready to fight it out. Whatever these boys were planning would not go down as easy as they thought. I will not close my eyes. Do you think Im that stupid?

He blinked in shock; face dumbly surprised. It was like hed never been told no before.

The side of Breandans mouth tugged up. Please close your eyes, he simplified.

Breandan was asking me to do what Devlin wanted? Why? I looked between them. Something else was going on in front of me, wasnt it? Thoughts swirled in front of my eyes. Devlin had joined the Sect a month ago. The sightings of fairies at the Wall by the Temple had increased in the last month. Breandan had been looking for me and the vampire a month. Devlin had not reacted to Breandans presence, or his strangeness with shock or fear. The fairy-boy had done some freaky stuff, like strutting around bare foot, glowing and growling. These were not human traits. More than this, Breandan had revealed himself to Devlin, even spoken to him.

You know each other, I said, the challenge for denial clear in my voice.

Yes, the boys replied.

I blew out a breath. May I ask how?

Ye-

Not yet, Breandan said.

They were both on edge again. I had a feeling this was only remaining peaceful for my benefit.

I dont like not knowing what youre dragging me into. I dont think Im so curious anymore.

I told you, you are safe. Breandan seemed annoyed I had not trusted his word. There are other things you need to know and see, he explained, Before I can tell and show you everything.

And right now you dont want me to see how you got in here, I guessed. After a few moments of stubborn silence, I shrugged and did as Breandan asked. I dont see how this is going to-

My eyes flew open and I gasped. Breandans lips were pressed against mine. His eyes were open, watching me. He leaned away a little and made a low humming noise.

This would be easier if you trusted me, he murmured. Ill come back soon. Behave until then. He leaned back in, but paused. And Rae, do not agree or give anything you dont want to. His eyes flicked to Devlin and his eyes narrowed into slits. His gaze darted back to mine. Alright?

Confused, I nodded and closed my eyes as his lips met mine again. When I opened them again he was gone. My first kiss, and it had made my toes curl in my boots and my heart swell. I swallowed thickly and looked to the west. The sun had nearly set. My vampire-boy would rise soon.

Devlin stared at me, considering. I can almost see the questions tumbling around that head of yours.

Ill even tell you a few. At best guess youre some kind of demon pet, I said and paused deliberately. A human spy feeding the fairies information, I mean. I didnt give him a chance to answer. I started to walk away but then I spun around. You havent told anyone about the person you saw me with this morning have you? He said nothing for a long while and I looked up in alarm. At the steady, appraising look he was giving me I felt a tide of stupid rising inside me, and I stared to babble, Youre not double crossing demons are you? By working for the Sect and pretending to be the demons inner eyes and ears, because that would be really dumb.

As dumb as stashing a vampire in a wardrobe?

I swear my face must have turned the colour of snow again. Devlin rocked on his heels, sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and chewed it thoughtfully. I caught the smile he tried to hide.

No, he said finally. I havent told anyone. And youve got me all wrong. His eyes became wicked keen, fixed on my face. You should stay away from him. He could be dangerous.

The vampire or the fairy? I asked before slapping myself on the forehead.

He laughed. It was a delicate, carefree sound. Both.

My fingers curled into claws, and I squeezed them so tight my nails split skin, gouging out a chunk of my palm. My blood trickled down my wrist before my whole hand burned and the skin repaired itself, spreading over the cut. Healed, I froze and slowly raised my gaze. Devlin didnt look shocked or scared. Simply amused. He quirked an eyebrow and motioned with a sweep of his hand lead the way, it said.

I stared at him, waiting. He stared at me, waiting.

He broke first and did a good imitation of a long-suffering huff. I could see he was having a good time at my expense.

Am I to keep what just happened a secret too?

What just happened? I said evenly.

I felt crazy confused. It was like there was this big, obvious thing dangling in front of my face that I was too silly to see.

He stepped forward, and the stare he gave was so intense a tickle at the back of my brain made me shudder. His encroachment on my personal space was uncomfortable.

I dont like people so close, I told him and stepped away.

Boldly, he stepped forward again and reached for my hand. Come with me, he said softly and as an afterthought half a beat later added, Please?

A warning from my intuition fired in my head, and I yanked my hand away before he clasped it. I have to get back.

I looked over toward Bayou, conscious a demon was waiting for me, but couldnt help but stay still, and keep trying to find that elusive obvious thing. There was something about Devlin I was missing. I just knew it. Usually, if I didnt want to talk to someone I could ignore or drown them out, but when Devlin asked me a question I felt I had to answer. When he spoke it was like I had to listen.

Breandan warned me away from you, I said quietly. I backed up, wanting much, much more distance between us and watched his face for signs of falsehood. If you were a fairy informant, why would he do that? Wouldnt he trust you?

I told you had me wrong, you came to that conclusion by yourself. Regardless, trust is a complicated thing.

He trusted you enough to leave me here, but not enough to warn me about you.

I struggled to understand where my thoughts were headed. It felt like I was trying to lead myself somewhere, but failing to use the clues I already knew to finish the riddle. Come on brain, do your job and work.

Of course he would. The idea of competition for your affection will frighten him now. Hes terrified you may choose to go another way. The right way. He gave me a quick fire grin, happy and out of place. Now I thought about it, everything about him was out of place.

Tired of standing so still, and tense, I shifted and I stumbled over my own foot. I scowled at them before remembering I had more pressing issues than my own clumsiness. My eyes darted to the dorm and back to Devlins face. His white-blonde hair did that weird shimmering thing and his eyes sparkled, even in the dark.

It clicked.

No, no, no, you too, I said, surprised and pointed at him. Youre a demon too.

He said nothing and that was more than answer enough for me. I reverted back to my original plan. I turned and ran.

I didnt want to have to do this, he called.

The next moment he was in front of me, sighing. I stopped before I slammed into him, my arms flapping either side of me. My knees knocked together and I squeaked in alarm.

Oh gods. How could I have not seen this coming?

He moved, body blurring to close the distance between us. Crying out, I brought my hand up to ward off an attack, but he halted, and pushed against my palm until all between our bodies touching was my hand. The steady thump of his heart pounded against me and the sweet scent of his body made me dizzy. Then I felt something cool and hard pressed against my chest. There was a subtle vibration, a prickle of energy rolling outwards. A tingle ran down my body and I wiggled. Looking down, I couldnt see anything, our bodies were pressed too tightly together, but I was sure his pendant was pressed against mine through the layers of our clothes.

Dont worry, youre safe, he said and cupped my cheek. The touch was not romantic, but somehow authoritative and belittling. Youre coming home with me. Okay? Your real home.

No, I said so quietly it was more a squeak. I raised my voice and it was strong this time, No.

The world spun and disappeared inch by inch the longer he was close, swallowed by the dark. He was shorter than Breandan, and I stared into his eyes without craning my neck. Fixed in place by the presence of him, the ability to move left me though the urge remained. I tried to focus on anything apart from how close he was.

Please, I said. Please move back. I cantI cant think straight.

Devlins hand trailed across my face and caused a squirm. I can see youre confused, frightened. I can make it all go away. His hand moved down my neck and across my collarbone. His finger hooked around the leather tie that held my pendant, and pulled it up so it slipped out from under the neck of my tee, and swung between our faces. There was a wicked gleam in his eye. All you have to do, to make it all go away is come with me. Or, give me your necklace.

Ive had it my whole life, I said and catching his hand I yanked the tie away from him. I sucked in a shaky breath. I told you what it means to me. You cant have it.

Dont you want everything to go back to normal? His smile made the world dim and him bright.

I ran my eyes over him again, because he was too bright. There was something glowing and pulsing around him. I tried to move away and as I did he took hold of my head in both of his hands. They were overly warm and almost feminine, delicate. His eyes locked mine down and I stilled. Something pressed on my mind, tethered inside me.

Clasping a hand round my neck he tugged. Give it to me, he commanded.

I was sweating. Was I being foolish? If I gave him my necklace he said everything would go back to normal. I whimpered. I didnt want to give it to him. It was the most important thing I owned. The only thing I had that was of any value, it was important to me. The necklace was my only connection I had to a family that had given me up at birth, and was my reminder to be strong and independent. A wrinkle of cold rolled over my skin and I shifted back, brought to by this out of place feeling. I hesitated and leaned back further, a question in my eyes. He had been doing something to me, making me forget myself.

Pushing him away, I shook with fear and anger. What did you do to me?

Calm down, Rae. He was distracted, looking around him cautiously. Then he spun and cursed, peering at nothing. He seemed to see something I could not, for a wicked smile stretched his lips. Fool, he sneered. Come. Let me mark your face again.